News

G'day, mates! Strap on your seat belts as auto racing meets Down Under. The Kentucky Speedway announced today that Outback Steakhouse will sponsor the track's inaugural NASCAR Busch Series event scheduled for June 16, 2001. "The Outback Steakhouse 300" will see an 8 PM (EST) green flag and be televised live nationally on FX (part of the Fox Network).

"We are delighted to have worked out the event sponsorship agreement with Outback Steakhouse. They are outstanding sports marketers and have great restaurants providing excellent food and hospitality. They know how to market events, and we are proud that they have selected Kentucky Speedway as a venue to promote their brand," quoted Mark F. Cassis, Executive VP/GM of Kentucky Speedway.

A full competitor field (42 cars) is anticipated to compete in the race, including 2000 NASCAR Busch Series champion Jeff Green. The Owensboro, Kentucky native won six events in 2000 with a record 25 top five finishes. He also has two brothers competing in the 2001 NASCAR Busch Series, Mark and David, with the later being the 1994 NASCAR Busch Series Champion.

Since opening in Tampa in 1988, Outback Steakhouse has opened 627 domestic locations in 49 states. The agreement with Kentucky Speedway is the company's second NASCAR Busch Series entitlement, combining with the Outback Steakhouse 200 at Phoenix International Raceway in October. Some of Outback's other sports sponsorships include title sponsor of the New Year's Day Outback Bowl in Tampa, FL and an association with FOX Sports broadcaster John Madden, who travels the country in the Outback Steakhouse Madden Cruiser.

" We look forward to increasing our NASCAR involvement with the Outback Steakhouse 300 and the Kentucky Speedway," Outback Steakhouse Director of Sports Marketing, Bobby Silvest said. " This sponsorship continues to align us with NASCAR fans and is a perfect match for the Outback Steakhouse customer."

June 16th is anticipated to be one of the most significant sporting events in Tri-State history. A crowd of over 66,000 is expected at the Sparta, KY venue. The day includes:

Two Races - NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Goody's Dash Series Events

Kerry Earnhardt - Autograph appearance plus competing in the race. Kerry is the eldest son of the late Dale Earnhardt.